LeadUP Podcast

Dr Karishma Ramdev is an aesthetic doctor, entrepreneur, and content creator who is redefining beauty and confidence. She built her brand, Charisma by Karishma, at the intersection of science and art. She’s previously worked on the COVID-19 frontlines, competed in Miss South Africa, and built a global platform – all while advocating for self-confidence and living openly with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
On this episode, she speaks to us about:
Getting into pageant competitions like Miss SA – partly by accident
Using her skills to help clients in ways far beyond the superficial
Influencing online authentically to support others
How time management is her key to handling multiple roles
How looking after your skin creates a picture of health
Find us at www.up.ac.za/leadup – click on LeadUP Podcast. To listen, you can stream, download and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app, or find us on YouTube. 
Help us grow by rating and reviewing the show! 
LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara, and our team includes Elna Schütz and Duané Kitching. Our technical engineers are Quickclick Productions, with language and marketing services by Brightlight SA Communications.

Christopher Williams is the Director of CJ Distribution, the logistics engine behind retail giant Dis-Chem. A UP Pharmacy graduate, he stepped into the wholesale space at a time when many were stepping away from it.
On this episode, he speaks to us about:
Why he went into pharmacy, and not farming.
Launching a wholesaler during a difficult period for pharmacies.
How to grow a business well, from a small start to a national footprint.
Building the Local Choice Franchise pharmacy brand. 
His role in Dis-Chem’s listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
Find us at www.up.ac.za/leadup – click on LeadUP Podcast. To listen, you can stream, download and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app, or find us on YouTube. 
Help us grow by rating and reviewing the show! 
LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara, and our team includes Elna Schütz and Duané Kitching. Our technical engineers are Quick Click Productions, with language and marketing services by Brightlight SA Communications.

Viwe Mkizwana is an award-winning bassist, composer, arranger, musical director and educator. He has performed around the world, plays with the likes of the Gauteng Philharmonic Orchestra and MIAGI Orchestra, and has released three albums. He has picked up SAMA nominations, a Mzantsi Jazz Award, and two Naledi Awards. He continues to push the boundaries of African jazz. 
On this episode, he speaks to us about:
How he fell in love with jazz music.
Convincing his family that going into a creative field was the right path for him.
How his university studies have helped him grow as a musician.
The message behind his latest album, ‘Black Child’.
Managing the business of making music.
Find us at www.up.ac.za/leadup – click on LeadUP Podcast. To listen, you can stream, download and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app, or find us on YouTube. 
Help us grow by rating and reviewing the show!
LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara, and our team includes Elna Schütz and Duané Kitching. Our technical engineers are Meropa Communications, with language and marketing services by Brightlight SA Communications.

Izak Smit is the Group Chief Executive Officer at PPS, one of South Africa’s last remaining mutual insurance companies. He completed a BCom Honours in Economics at UP and holds a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford. He is a proud Tuks alum and sits on the Faculty Advisory Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS).
On this episode, he speaks to us about:
Why he believes that he already has his dream job.
How to build and strengthen culture in a company.
Why the model of mutual insurance works well.
How to move beyond simplistic work/life balance. 
Why he is so proud to be a UP graduate.
Find us at www.up.ac.za/leadup – click on LeadUP Podcast. To listen, you can stream, download and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app, or find us on YouTube. 
Help us grow by rating and reviewing the show! New episodes drop on the last Tuesday of May, July, September and November 2025. 
LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara, and our team includes Elna Schütz, Duané Kitching and Samantha Castle. Our technical engineers are Meropa Communications, with language and marketing services by Brightlight SA Communications.

Puno Selesho is a spoken word artist who has performed for presidents and celebrated companies, locally and internationally. In her capacity as a social entrepreneur, she established Harvest House Creative Agency, where she currently serves as creative director. She graduated with an LLB from the University of Pretoria and a certification in social entrepreneurship from UP’s business school, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), in 2020. 
On this episode, she speaks to us about:
Studying law, but then moving into the creative and business world.
Hope as a positive tool in the world.
What she’s learned through building a creative agency to support creatives.
Her approach to social justice.
What’s next for her, and working through shifting seasons professionally.
Find us at www.up.ac.za/leadup – click on LeadUP Podcast. To listen, you can stream, download and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app, or find us on YouTube. 
Help us grow by rating and reviewing the show! New episodes drop on the last Tuesday of May, July, September and November 2025. 
LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara, and our team includes Elna Schütz and Samantha Castle. Our technical engineers are Meropa Communications, with language and marketing services by Brightlight SA Communications.